Pumping device



Jan. 11, 1938. w NOBLE 2,105,093

PUMPING DEVICE Filed Sept, 20, 1934 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 III/I/I/ jnve72fawZ/arrm M216 3 14 ,4 Wm. a

Jan. 11, 1938.

4 Sheets-heet 2 Filed Sept. 20, 1934 2l/arre7z Na /e iffy.

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PUMPING DEVICE Filed Sept. 20, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet s 95 J I Q T 6 E 5 a!Zl/arren N057? dfif'y.

Jan. 11, 1938. .w NOBLE 2,105,093 7 PUMPING DEVICE Filed Sept. 20, 1934-4 Shets-Sheet 4 J [722%722 07" Warren Nafi/e /Aw; ,4 WW- a32 PatentedJan. H, 193% PATENT OFFICE PUMPING DEVICE Warren-Noble, Michigan City,ind, assignor to Sullivan Machinery Company, a corporation ofMassachusetts Application September 20, 1934, Serial No. 4,838

2 Claims.

anisms, and more particularly to improvements in variable strokemechanism especially designed to use with air compressors or pumps.

An object of this invention is to provide an improved variable strokemechanism. Another object of this invention is to provide an improvedvariable stroke mechanism for air compressors or pumps, and of a typeespecially designed for use in compressors or pumps of the reciprocatingpiston type. A further object is to provide an improved stroke changingmechanism for a compressor or pump of the reciprocating piston type andimproved control means for such a mechanism. Still another object is toprovide an improved control mechanism for such a variable strokemechanism whereby the operation of the compressor or pump isautomatically regulated in accordance with the load thereon. Anotherobject is to provide an improved variable stroke mechanism for areciprocating type compressor or pump whereby, as the load of thecompressor or pump varies, the piston stroke is automatically varied.Yet another object is to provide an improved automatic control means fora variable stroke mechanism of the above character, where- "by, when thecompressor is relieved of its load, the variable stroke mechanismautomatically assumes a no-load or neutral position. These and otherobjects and advantages of the invention will, however, hereinafter morefully appear.

In the accompanying drawings there are shown for purposes ofillustration one form and several modifications thereof which theinvention may assume in practice.

In these drawings:-

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a compressor or pump with which theillustrative form of the improved variable stroke mechanism isassociated.

Fig. 2 is a detail view of a portion of the improved control means.

Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view, taken sub- J stantially on line 3-3of Fig.2.

Fig. 4 is a detail sectional view, taken substantially on line 4-4 ofFig. 2.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged,.central, longitudinally extending, vertical view,taken through the compressor as shown in Fig. 1, and its associatedvariable stroke mechanism.

Fig. 6 is a vertical cross sectional view, taken substantially on line6-45 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view, taken substantially on line'l----'! of Fig. 5.

(Cl. lime-38) This invention relates to variable stroke mech- Fig. 8 isa detail sectional view, taken on line 8-8 of Fig. '7.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a portion of themechanism shown in Fig. 7.

Fig. 10 is a detail sectional view illustrating a portion of thevariable stroke adjusting mechanism.

Fig. 11 is a diagrammatic view showing the imimproved automatic controlmechanism.

Fig. 12 is a view similar to Fig. 11, showing parts in av differentposition.

Fig. 13 is a view similar to Fig. 11, showing a modified form ofautomatic control means.

Fig. 14 is a view similar to Fig. 11 showing a still further modifiedform of automatic control means.

In this illustrative embodiment of the invention the improved variablestroke mechanism is shown embodied in an air compressor, although itwill be evident that the same may have application in various types ofmachines. The air compressor shown is of the two-stage, straight linetype, comprising a base frame I, havingmounted in alinement thereon highand low, double acting pressure cylinders land 3, each havingreciprocable therein a piston 4. These pistons have alined piston rods 5and 6 respectively, operatively connected through the improved variablestroke mechanism generally designated 1, to the motor driven crank shaft8 of the compressor. The fluid to be compressed is conducted to the lowpressure cylinder 3 through an intake pipe 9, and is discharged fromthis cylinder through a discharge pipe III to a suitable intercoolerdevice H from which fluid is discharged through a pipe l2 connected tothe intake of the high pressure cylinder 2. The compressed fluid isdischarged from this cylinder through a discharge pipe I 3. As shownmost clearly in Fig. 5, the inner ends of the piston rods project fromtheir cylinders inwardly within a chamber l4 formed in the base frame I,and within which the improved variable stroke mechanism 1 is arranged.Each of these piston rods 5, 6 is connected by a pin l5 to a slidingcross-head l6 arranged in a longitudinal guideway l1 formed on the baseframe. Pivotally mounted on each of the pins I5 is a swingable member inthe form of a pivoted arm, these members being designated l8 and I9 andarranged to swing in vertical planes extending parallel to the pistonrod axes and at right angles to the crank shaft axis in the mannershown. The swingable member or arm I9 is pivotally connected at 20 to alink or connecting arm M, in turn pivotally connected at 22 to a crankpin 23,

formed between the crank discs 24 and 25 of the crank shaft. As shown inFig. '7, pivotally connected to pins 26, mounted within spaced lugs 21swingable members or arms I8 and I9 is provided at its opposite sideswith upstanding guideways 34 and 34 extending radially with respect tothe axial line of the pivot pins I5 and 26. illustrative constructionthe swingable members or arms I8 and I9 are provided with adjustablefulcrum points and the means for adjusting the fulcrums of these memberscomprises arms 36, 36, secured to parallel rods 31, 31, arrangedlongitudinally of the compressor in parallel relation to the piston rodaxes and at opposite sides of the latter. Each arm 36 is provided at itsextremity with a spherical head 38 mounted in concave bearing surfaces39 formed in sliding friction blocks 40 engaging the inner side walls ofthe guideways 34, as shown in Fig. 8. The rods 31, 31 are common to thearms of both of the swingable members or arms I8, I9 and have securedthereto worm gears M and 42 meshing respectively with worms 43, 44secured to a horizontal control shaft 45 herein arranged transversely ofthe base and suitably journaled therein. The worm gearing hasself-locking teeth for hold.- ing the fulcrum changing arms in theirdifferent positions of adjustment and is so constructed as to cause theshafts 31, 31 to rotate oppositely to each other at equiangular rates.

It will thus be seen that when the control shaft 45 is rotated theparallel shafts through the worm gearing are simultaneously rotated inopposite directions, swinging the arms 36, 36 oppositely about theirpivots, thereby moving the extremities of these arms and theirco-operating friction blocks 49 relative to the guideways 34, 34 on theswingable arms. When the extremities of these arms lie in a position ina horizontal plane including the axes of the pivot pins I5 and the crankshaft 8 is rotated, the members I8 and I9 are swung back and forth aboutthe axes of the pivot pins I5 by the crank discs and links while thepiston rods 5 and 6 remain stationary as regards reciprocatory movement.As the fulcrum changing arms 36 are swung upwardly within the guides 34,34 the members I3, I9 swing about the extremities of these arms 36 asfulcrums, the swinging range thereof being gradually increased as thearms 36 are swung upwardly, thereby causing the piston rods 5 and 6 tobe reciprocated at gradually increasing strokes until the extremities ofthe arms 36 assume their uppermost position, wherein the piston rods arereciprocated their full stroke. It will therefore be evident, as theextremities of the fulcrum changing arms 36, 36 are swung within theguides 34, the stroke of the piston rods may be varied from zeroposition to a predetermined maximum or full stroke position with equalstroke variations at opposite sides of a uniform mid-stroke position.

Now referring to the improved automatic control means for the fulcrumchanging arms 36, 36 for automatically varying the piston stroke inaccordance with the load on the compressor, it will be noted that thecontrol shaft 46 at one end projects outwardly from one side of the Inthis frame I and has keyed thereto ratchet wheels 41 and 43 havingreversely directed ratchet teeth, and cooperating respectively with theteeth of these ratchet teeth are pawls or dogs 49 and 50 pivotallymounted at 5| at their lower ends on a lever 52 in turn pivotallymounted at 53 on the projecting end of the control shaft 45. The upperend of this lever 52' is pivotally connected at 54 to a link 55 in turnpivotally connected at 56 to a crank disc 51 keyed to a projecting endof the crank shaft 9. As shown in Fig. 2, the pawls or dogs 49, 5|] areconstantly urged toward their ratchet teeth engaging position by a coilspring 58 and the inner sides of these pawls have formed thereonprojecting lugs having cam surfaces 59 and 69. Guided at ti on thebottom portion of the lever 52 is a reciprocatory non-rotatable plunger62 having fixed thereto at its upper end 63 a member 64 havingoppositely projecting arms engageable with the cam surfaces 59 and 60 onthe pawls. Pivotally connected at 65 to the lower end of the plunger 52is a link 66 in turn pivotally connected at 61 to a piston rod 68 of apiston 69. This piston is reciproca-bly mounted in a cylinder IIIsuitably mounted at the side of the base frame I and this piston isconstantly urged toward its lowermost position by a coil spring II.Compressor discharge pressure is adapted to be contained released fromthe teeth of the ratchet wheels 41, 48. The lever 52 is constantlyoscillated through the connections 55, 51 driven by the compressorcrankshaft and as the compressor discharge pressure rises, this pressureis transmitted through the pipe I2 to the cylinder 19 to act on thepiston 69 to move the latter upwardly, and due to the shape of the camsurface 69, the pawl 59 is allowed gradually to swing inwardly. Thus, asthe lever 52 is oscillated, the pawl 50 engages the teeth of the ratchetwheel 48, and as a result the shaft 45 is rotated gradually to move thefulcrum varying arms 36 downwardly within the guides 34, 34, therebygradually decreasing the length of the piston stroke until the fulcrumvarying arms 36, 36 assume a position drops, the coil spring TII causesthe piston 69 to move downwardly so that the member 64 rides on the camsurface to throw-out the pawl 50 and gradually cause the pawl 49 to moveinward 1y into engagement with the ratchet wheel 41, and as a result thedirection of the rotation of the control shaft 45 is reversed, therebymoving the fulcrum varying arms 36, 36 upwardly within their guides 34,34 gradually to increase the piston stroke. It will thus be seen thatthe stroke of the pistons is varied automatically in accordance with thecompressor discharge pressure.

Now referring to the improved controlling mechanism for controllingoperation of the compressor, including means for automatically effectingmovement of the fulcrum adjusting elements of the variable strokemechanism into their no-stroke" position so that the motor may startwhen the compressor is in no-stroke condition, it will be observed thatFig. 11 shows the apparatus in running condition, and Fig. 12

Cal

shows the apparatus in stopped condition. Referring first to Fig. 11, itwill be noted that the motor for driving the-crankshaft 9 of thecompressor is indicated at l5, and current is supplied to the motorthrough conductors l9 and Means for positively releasing the latch 99 isactuated by a cam 92, actuated by one of the control shafts 311 of thevariable stroke control mechanism, and serves to release the latch asno-stroke condition is attained. The plunger 92 of the pawl controlmeans has connected thereto a rod 83, which is pivotally connectedthrough a link 99 to a rod 95, and the latter is pivotally connected toa plunger 99 which is engageable with an arm 9i rigidly fixed to thelatch 99, previously mentioned, which cooperates with the control arm 89of the switch 99. The cam 92, when the rod 93 is in top position, will,as the shaft 3'! attains no-stroke position, actuate the rod 89 andthrough it the plunger 99, and release the latch 89 and permit openingof the normally-open-type switch 99. A solenoid 99 is connected by aconductor 9i to the main line '59, and is connectible through aconductor 92, a switch 93, later more fully discussed, connected withthe latch 89 for movement with the latter, and a switch 99, also furtherlater described, with the line l9. An armature 99 is movable by thesolenoid upon energization of the latter, and is connected with theplunger 92, which it is adapted to raise upon energization of thesolenoid. To energize solenoid 99, switch 99 must be in its lower(starting) position and switch 93 vin the position it occupies when themotor i9 is stopped. A depending rod 99 is connected to the piston 99 atthe lower side of the latter, and carries a switch element 99 whichcooperates in the lower position of the element 99 to connect aconductor 99 leading from the solenoidfil to a conductor 9i connectibleby the switch 99, in one position of the latter, to the line F9. Theother end of the solenoid 9i is connected by conductor 99 with theswitch mechanism 93.

With this explanation, the mode of operation will be readily understoodby referring to Figs. 11 and 12. In the position of the parts shown inFig. 11, the motor i is driving the compressor and the length of thepiston strokes is subject to. the control of the compressor dischargepressure which is acting through the pipe 112 upon the bottom of thepiston 99. The switch 80 is" in closed position, being so held by thelatch 99. The solenoid BI is not energized, for the switch 93 isbreaking the circuit at the end of the conductor 99. The solenoid 99 isnot energized because of the position of switch 99.

To stop the motor the switch 99 is raised into its upper position, thatis, the position it is shown as occupying in Fig. 12. Bearing in mindthat at the moment this occurs the other parts of the apparatus are allin the position which they occupy in Fig. 11, it will be appreciatedthat.

the solenoid 90 will be energized immediately. This will draw uparmature 99' and, by raising the plunger 92 to top position, will causethe stroke varying means to act to bring the variable fulcrum devices tono-stroke position. When the shaft 31 of the variable fulcrum means hasrotated approximately to no-stroke position, the cam member 82 willcoact with the raised rod 85 and through the plunger 86 and bell cranklever arm 81 will positively open the latch 88 and allow the switch 90to swing to open position. Releasing of the latch 88 will swing theswitch 99 to the position shown in Fig. 12, and interrupt the circuitthrough the solenoid 99 so that the spring H will move the plunger 99downward to the position corresponding to the compressor discharge linepressure then existing. (The motor is now not running, so the fulcrumdevices willnot be affected.) Now, since the movement of the switch 93has broken the circuit established by the switch 99 in its upperposition, theparts will all remain in the position shown in Fig. 12except as reduction in discharge line pressure may permit still furtherdownward movement of piston 99 and associated parts.

When it is desired to start the compressor again, the operator willswing the switch 99 to bottom position, and, viewing all the remainingparts as they stand in Fig. 12, which is their position when thecompressor drive was discontinued, the operations will readily beunderstood. The movement of the switch 99 to its bottom position willcreate a circuit from the line 59 through the conductor 9?, switch 96,conductor 99, solenoid 9i, conductor 99 and switch 93, and back to theline 78. This will energize the solenoid 9i and close the switch 99 andstart the motor. Closing of the switch 99 will permit its operatingspring to move the latch 99 upwardly and swing the switch 93 into theposition shown in Fig. 11. This will break the circuit just describedthrough the solenoid 9i, but the latch will hold the switch 89 in closedposition. The solenoid 99 will not be energized, because the conductor92 will not be connected with the line l9, due to the position of switch99. The motor will obviously have begun to revolve with the variablefulcrum devices in no-stroke position, and the fulcra will be promptlybrought to the positions corresponding to the compressor dischargepressure, as the motor operates. The complete cycle of running,stopping, and restarting has now i It will also move the parts to aposition in which I 93 will move latch 98 to permit switch 99 to open.This will stop the motor. When the pressure falls, and switch 99recloses, the magnet 9|! will again close switch 99, because switch 99will then be in position to permit completion of the circuit. If switch99 be moved to its upper position after the compressor is started, thisautomatic stop and restart feature will not be effective.

In the modification shown in Fig. 13, the improved automatic controlmeans is shown associated with a gasolene engine. In the diagrammaticview shown the gasolene engine starting motor is indicated at I199, thestarting motor control switch at llll, an automatic starting device atI92, and an ignition, make--and-break device for the engine at )3. Thedevice N13 is herein of the type-commonly known as a Startex", and isconnected through a-pipe N19 to the intake manifold of the gasoleneengine. One contact of the automatic switch 99 is connected through awire I05 to a contact on the "Starter? device, while the other Startexstationary contact is connected by .a wire I06 to the solenoid II'I'I ofthe starting switch IOI, the other end of solenoid I01 being groundedthrough a wire I03. The stationary contacts of the Startex device areconnected together when the motor is not running and remain connecteduntil the motor comes up to speed. The wire I09 leads from a contact ofthe switch I0l to the windings of the motor I00 and the motor windingsare grounded at the other side through a wire I Ill. The ignitionmake-andbreak device I03 is connected by a wire I II to the.

primary II2 of the spark coil, and the other end of the primary isconnected to the wire I05. The make-and-break switch is also grounded atits other side through a wire H3. The main line wire H4, whichcorresponds to one of the main lines of the form of the invention shownin Fig. 11, leads at one end to a battery M5, and the other end-of thebattery is grounded through a wire H6. The other contact of the switch30 is connected by a wire III to the main line wire IIII. One contact ofthe automatic stop and start switch 03 is grounded through a wire M3,while one contact of the horseshoe switch 93 is grounded through a wireIIQ. A thermostatic device may be provided for maintaining thecompressor unloaded, that is, with the pistons thereof stationary, whilethe gasolene engine is becoming sufficiently warmed up to operateemciently. This device may include a solenoid I20 connected by a wireI2I to the wire I II, the other side of the solenoid being groundedthrough a conductor I22 connected with the solenoid by a switch I23,which is controlled by the thermostatic element I24 which opens theswitch I23 when. the engine is at normal operating temperature. The coilof the solenoid I20 is connected through a rod I25 to the element 06' ofthe controller mechanism. When solenoid I20 is energized 36 is raisedand acts through to maintain the parts 49 and 50 in neutral position,that is, neither effective to operate the fulcrum control apparatus.Thus pumping is not started until the engine is duly warmed up.

Fig. 13 shows the parts in the position occupied when the gasoleneengine driving compressor has just been stopped. Switch 80 is open. TheStartex is closed. Switch IN is open. Switch 96 is closed, and switchI23 is open. The operator, to start the compressor again, moves theswitch 94 to its bottom position. This closes a circuit from the lineII4 through the switch 93, through the coil 0| of the solenoid whichcloses the switch 80, through the conductor 00, switch 96 and conductorII8 to ground. Closing of the switch 80 energizes the make-and-breakdevice, supplying current to the primary, of the spark coil. Current issupplied also through the "Startex and through the coil I01 to closemotor starting switch IOI. Motor I00 therefore turns over the engine andeffects starting thereof. When the engine has produced a sufiicientvacuum in its intake I04, the Startex I02 is opened, breaking thecircuit through the solenoid I01, and allowing the switch IM to open andthereby stop the engine starting motor. Further operation of theapparatus will be readily understood from what has been previously saidwith respect to Figs. 11 and 12, it being noted that closing of switch80 results in a reversal in position of switch 93, and the establishmentof a circuit relation such that the return of switch 94 to the full lineposition shown will effect stopping of the apparatus.

In the modification shown in Fig. 14, 2. Diesel engine driving system isshown. The Diesel engine starting motor is indicated at I30; thestarting motor control switch at I3I; the automatic starting device,whose construction is familiar to those skilled in the Diesel engineart, at I32. The starting motor is connected to one of the stationarycontacts of the switch I3I by a conductor I33. Its other side isgrounded through the conductor I34. The other stationary contact of theswitch I3I is connected to a conductor I40 leading to a battery I30whose other terminal is grounded at I39. The operating solenoid for theswitch I3I is grounded at one end by the conductorgII-il and its otherend is connected by a conductor I30 with the starting device I32. Theother terminal of the automatic starting device I32 is connected by aconductor I46 through the switch to a conductor I41 which is connectiblethrough a switch I48, in one position of the latter, to a conductor I49which receives current from the battery I30. Switch I48 in its other(shown) position is adapted to connect the battery through the conductorI49 and a conductor I50 to an operating armature 30" whose core isconnected to the plunger 62 and associated mechanism, said solenoid 90"being connected to ground at its other end through a conductor I5I. Abranch conductor I53 connects the conductor I46 to a magnet I52 whoseother end is connected by a conductor I54 to one of a pair of spacedstationary contacts of a trigger switch I55. The other contact of thetrigger switch is connected to an alined magnet I44 whose other end isconnected by a conductor I43 to a. normally open switch device I42,which, when closed, connects the conductor I43 through a furtherconductor MI to the conductor I40 connected to the battery I38. Themovable element of the trigger switch I55 is connected to ground througha conductor I56. Fig. 14shows the parts in shut-down condition. I45 isthe fuel pump controlling lever which, in the position of the partsshown, is in engine stopping position. Its position is changed by themagnets I52 and I44. To start the engine, the switch I48 will be thrownto the dotted line position. This will break the circuit through themagnet 90" and will result'in freeing of the bell crank 81 andopening ofthe switch I42. The starting position of the switch I48 will alsoestablish a circuit-through conductor I49, switch I48, conductor I41,switch 96, which will close when 90" is deenergized, conductor I46; thestarting apparatus I32, conductor I36, solenoid I35 and conductor I31,to the ground. This will effect closing of the starting switch I3I andestablish a circuit from the battery I38 through the conductor I40,switch I3I, conductor I33, 'motor I30 and conductor I34 to the ground.The engine will thereupon be turned over. Current will also be suppliedthrough the conductor I53 and magnet I52 to move the fuel pumpcontrolling lever I45 to running position. It will be noted that thetrigger switch each time it is thrown breaks the circuit through themagnet which effected its movement. After the motor is started, theautomatic starting mechanism I32 causes the starting motor switch I3I tobe thrown out, stopping the motor I30. The method of stopping thecompressor will be obvious from what has been previously described. itbeing-noted that when the stroke varying devices approach ,no-strokeposition, the switch I42 will be closed.

arcades In each form of the apparatus the automatic stopping andIre-starting under control of the compressor discharge pressure mayobviously be effected.

As a result of this invention it will be noted that a novel strokechanging mechanism is provided for a compressor, together with means forautomatically changing the piston stroke in accordance with the load onthe compressor. It will further be noted that an improved controlmechanism is associated with the stroke changing mechanism whereby whenthe compressor is stopped the stroke changing mechanism automaticallyassumes a no-load position and when the compressor is started it isgradually placed under load after the driving motor has come up tospeed. These and other uses and advantages of the invention will,however, be clearly apparent to those skilled in the art.

While there are in this application specifically described one form andseveral modifications thereof which the invention may assume inpractice, it will be understood that these forms of the same, are shownfor purposes of illustration and that the invention may be modified andembodied in various other forms without departing from its spirit or thescope of the appended claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letter Patent is:

1. In combination, in a pump, a crank shaft, a cylinder, a pistontherein, operative driving connections between said crank shaft and saidpiston including mechanism adjustable to efiect diferent lengths ofpiston stroke, and means governed by the terminal pressure of said pump,actuated by said crank shaft and having an' operative connection withthe latter independent of said operative driving connections firstmentioned for adjusting an element of said mechanism to change thelength of piston stroke.

2. In a compressor or pump, a cylinder having a reciprocating piston,said piston having a piston rod, a driving element, variable strokemecha- ;nism actuated thereby for imparting to said piston strokes ofdesired lengths between zero and a predetermined maximum and operativelyconnected to said piston rod, and control means for said variable strokemechanism including a con- I trol shaft arranged parallel with saidpiston rod, connections between said control shaft and said variablestroke mechanism, and means operable by said driving element for movingsaid control shaft.

WARREN N OBLE.

' CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION. Patent No, 2,105,095 Januar; 11, 1938.

WARREN NOBLE.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specificationof the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page h,second column, line 2'? for the word "armature" read coil; and sameline, for "core" read, armature; and that the said Letters Patent shouldbe read with these corrections therein that the same may conform to therecord of 0856 i the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 1st day of March, A. D. 938.

Henry Van Arsdale, (Seal) Acting Commissioner of Patents.

